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Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NMC to levy licence fees on shop signboards over 20sqft
Nagpur: In a move that could impact thousands of commercial establishments across the city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) Skysign department is set to levy licence fees on all shop boards measuring over 20 square feet — both illuminated and non-illuminated. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Revenue) Milind Meshram confirmed that the department already initiated a survey to identify such boards under Hanuman Nagar zone and will gradually extend it to other zones. As per rules, NMC is empowered to charge Rs62.50 per sqm per month for illuminated boards, and Rs22 per sqm per month for non-illuminated ones, he said. Citing the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations (Regulation and Control of Sky Sign and Advertisement) Rules, 2022, Meshram said, "There is a clear provision that mandates urban local body permission for any form of digital or illuminated shop signage boards. Even non-illuminated boards above a certain size fall under regulation." In addition to civic clearance, no objection certificates (NOCs) from the traffic police, local police station, and MSEDCL (power utility) are also required before erecting such boards. While the regulation isn't new, earlier efforts by the civic body to implement this fee structure were met with stiff resistance. Several shopkeeper associations launched protests, terming the move as an additional financial burden. Political parties too sided with the traders, pressuring the civic administration to withdraw the proposal. However, with the dissolution of NMC general body and an administrator at the helm, officials say it is the right time to enforce long-pending regulations without political interference. "There's no elected body in place to stall the enforcement. We now have a window to implement it strictly and systematically," said a senior official in the revenue department. The rule aims to regulate visual clutter and ensure that signage is safe, uniform, and does not obstruct traffic visibility or urban aesthetics. "Most of these large boards are erected without any permission or safety checks. It's not just about revenue — it's also about public safety and orderly urban design," Meshram said. The civic body expects to generate significant revenue through this initiative, especially from prime commercial zones like Dharampeth, Sitabuldi, and Itwari, where oversized and illuminated shop boards are rampant. NMC plans to complete the survey across all ten zones in the coming months and begin issuing notices to violators. Traders will be given time to regularise their signage or face penalties under the MMC Act.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Homeopaths to give allopathy medicines: IMA strike tomorrow
Mumbai: The state-level Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for a 24-hour strike of doctors on Friday if Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) does not reverse its decision allowing homeopaths with a short-term pharmacology certificate to register as modern medicine practitioners. This would be applicable for all medical services except life-threatening emergencies. There are about 91,000 registered homeopaths in the state, of whom over 9,000 completed a one-year certificate course in modern pharmacology (CCMP). The medical community expressed concerns that this will severely impact people's health. Dr Jayesh Lele, former general secretary of IMA, said, "Mixing two different fields will only create half-baked medicine prescribers." In a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis, the association said MMC's notification undermines the integrity of modern medical practice. "The short-term course cannot be equated with the rigorous, long-duration MBBS education and clinical training," it said. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Maharashtra State Resident Doctors' Association also raised concerns, warning that the decision could worsen quackery. "Overdose, drug interactions, wrong prescriptions, even minor errors, can result in irreversible harm or death," it said in a separate letter to MMC officials. An official said as the move resulted from a 2014 amendment to Maharashtra Homoeopathic Practitioners Act and MMC Act, 1965, it is only govt or courts that can now revoke it. A decision on the amendment is still pending before court, but at a meeting helmed by medical education minister Hasan Mushrif earlier this year, MMC was directed to pass the notification.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Dining space in office not a ‘trade' activity, says HC
MUMBAI: The Bombay high court recently held that a dining area in office premises, installed with vending machines and other appliances, does not amount to carrying out 'trade' as contemplated under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act, 1888. (Shutterstock) The case dates back to June 27, 2024, when an inspection was carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the premises of M/s. Bob Capital Markets Ltd. Pursuant to the inspection report, it was found that the company was running an 'eating house canteen' in its premises without a licence. The canteen had two microwaves, tea/coffee vending machine, induction, refrigerators, and tables for service purposes, in the designated area. Noting that the licence was not produced, the BMC alleged that the company was carrying on trade in the premises and directed it to stop the service immediately, failing which it would take necessary action as per the provisions of the MMC Act, 1888. Taking cognisance of the issue, the magistrate court on September 23, 2024, issued the process under the provisions of the MMC Act. Aggrieved by this, the company approached the Bombay high court, challenging the order under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). The company clarified that the 'eating house canteen' is a designated dining area for the employees to consume food during their meal breaks. It further stated that the arrangement of the microwaves, vending machines, refrigerators and the tables were made for the employees as a goodwill gesture, for them to heat the food and avail tea/coffee. It further stated that the appliances are for self-service purposes, utilised by the employees and such is neither sold nor purchased by any person. 'The concerned officer failed to consider and understand the difference between a dining area and a canteen,' the company said. Highlighting that the meaning of 'Eating House' refers to activities for monetary benefit, the company stressed that the place provided is merely a dining area with absolutely zero trade. On the other hand, BMC pointed out a circular dated August 13, 2001, which lists vending machines as 'licensable' under the MMC Act. The civic body further highlighted a list of minor and major trades under the Public Health department, which termed the tea vending machines as 'catering establishments' falling under trade requiring a licence. After hearing both the sides, the single-judge bench of justice Madhav Jamdar quashed the criminal complaint filed by the BMC, stating that there is no material on record to show that any 'trade' is being conducted in the premises, which is the main requirement for attracting punishment under the MMC Act. The bench observed that providing a separate dining area for the employees and arranging such appliances for their convenience does not amount to carrying out trade or commercial activity. Citing the definition of 'eating house' under the MMC Act, the court stated that no element of 'profit' was present in the case. Therefore, it quashed the process ordered by the magistrate court, holding that it passed without any basis and is without any material on record concerning ingredients of provision.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia Launches Media Council After 50-Year Vision Realised
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) marks a historic milestone, fulfilling a 50-year vision first proposed by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, which stakeholders have hailed as a turning point for media self-regulation. MMC founding board member Datuk Sardahthisa James said the establishment represented a paradigm shift in media governance, enabling industry players to set their ethical standards and best practices while fostering constructive collaboration with the government. 'It does not mean that the government is abdicating its role in regulating the media, as it will always be needed to navigate an environment that considers certain matters sensitive. 'What the MMC does is provide an opportunity for the media to be constructive and work with the government on what these good practices should constitute,' the Daily Express editor-in-chief told Bernama today. The MMC Act took effect yesterday, with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announcing the council's 12-member founding board at the HAWANA 2025 celebration main event, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. James noted that while the late Tun Abdul Razak's original vision for the MMC focused on guiding media operations, he could not have anticipated the way digital media and Generative AI would revolutionise information, helping people make informed decisions. 'Therefore, the MMC must now develop strategies to navigate these challenges and propose solutions that serve Malaysian media while meeting public expectations,' he said. He added that the MMC's immediate challenge lies in addressing the impact of emerging technologies, including digital media and Generative AI, on information dissemination while developing acceptable guidelines for Malaysian media practitioners. James, who is also a member of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Board of Governors, highlighted the council's inclusive nature, noting significant representation from East Malaysian media, particularly from Sabah, in line with the spirit of equal partnership enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement, which determines journalistic standards. Meanwhile, Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui lauded the MADANI Government and Anwar for finally establishing MMC after decades of advocacy from industry stakeholders. 'Certainly, the HAWANA 2025 stage has become a historic moment for us, the media fraternity, to celebrate with smiles of joy as the dream of seeing this council formed has finally become a reality,' he said. Lichong expressed hope that the MMC would not only serve as a regulatory body but, more importantly, as a strong, independent, and inclusive protector in preserving the integrity and freedom of the media in this country. Tawau Journalists and Media Practitioners Association (Pewarta) deputy chairman Tamrin Jamil said the MMC's establishment is timely to safeguard the local media industry amid rapid technological advancements. 'MMC not only functions as a regulatory body but also as a crucial support system for local media agencies and practitioners,' he said, adding that the establishment reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to implementing institutional reform. 'It also serves as a mechanism to rebuild public trust in the media by promoting media literacy and ethical journalism,' he added. Veteran journalist Lagatah Toyos of the Daily Express said the MMC could further consolidate Malaysia's media industry, particularly local outlets in Sabah, allowing them to remain resilient, relevant, and credible despite the challenges of the modern era. 'MMC is also expected to help restore public trust in the journalism profession while prioritising the welfare and safety of media practitioners, regardless of whether they are from government or private media,' she added.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Setting up of MMC marks historic milestone
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) marks a historic milestone, fulfilling a 50-year vision first proposed by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, which stakeholders have hailed as a turning point for media self-regulation. Its founding board member Datuk Sardahthisa James said the establishment represented a paradigm shift in media governance, enabling industry players to set their ethical standards and best practices while fostering constructive collaboration with the government. 'It does not mean that the government is abdicating its role in regulating the media, as it will always be needed to navigate an environment that considers certain matters sensitive. 'What the MMC does is provide an opportunity for the media to be constructive and work with the government on what these good practices should constitute,' the Daily Express editor-in-chief told Bernama yesterday. The MMC Act took effect on Saturday, with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announcing the council's 12-member founding board at the Hawana 2025 celebration. James noted that while the late Abdul Razak's original vision for the MMC focused on guiding media operations, he could not have anticipated the way digital media and generative AI would revolutionise information, helping people make informed decisions. 'The MMC must now develop strategies to navigate these challenges and propose solutions that serve the Malaysian media while meeting public expectations,' he said. He added that the council's immediate challenge lies in addressing the impact of emerging technologies, including digital media and generative AI, on information dissemination while developing acceptable guidelines for Malaysian media practitioners. James, who is also part of the Bernama board of governors, highlighted the council's inclusive nature, noting significant representation from Sabah and Sarawak media, particularly from Sabah, in line with the spirit of equal partnership enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement, which determines journalistic standards. Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui expressed hope that the council would not only serve as a regulatory body but, more importantly, as a strong, independent and inclusive protector in preserving the integrity and freedom of the media. Tawau Journalists and Media Practitioners Association deputy chairman Tamrin Jamil said the council's establishment is timely to safeguard the local media industry amid rapid technological advancements.
